Context:
Location: New York
I help my dad run two stores and while he was away, his manager who’s practically someone he almost considers family who’s been working for around 8 years for him has been stealing thousands of dollars. We are sort of like a grocery store and while my dad was on vacation for 2-3 weeks, he came back and noticed that 2 of his large shipment companies contacted him saying both his bills weren’t paid. Once was for around $7000 and the other was almost $12,000. His excuse was “we weren’t selling anything and business was slow”. But the store was empty a month after product had come which only means items were being sold and cash was flowing into the register. Keep in mind cash accounts for 50% and we average 1.8k-2.9k sometimes high 3s a day on average for total sales. Cash wasn’t hitting the account (business debit account) except anything being paid in Credit/Debit, cash wasn’t being deposited like his normal deposits. My dad was worried bout manager being his long time best friend told him not to worry. When my dad came back almost a month later he noticed bills for the store weren’t being paid, liscene weren’t even being renewed. I had to pay almost 5 separate bills today myself since power and internet went out. Problem is my dad being a kind hearted person told him straight up were selling the store and were partnering ways after this. But deep down I also know he wants answers. My Dad is assuming the worst saying he has a gambling addiction. We also own another store and all 3 workers over there just confessed saying he owes one 4K, one $500 and one around $200. I do need some legal advice and at the same time I’m really trying to figure out where this money went. I also want to know if there’s anyway to find out how’d I even know if he was gambling. I just need help I’m lost and don’t know what to do this is an independent business not some large corp that presses charges.